One Block
Opus One
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2022
R. López de Heredia
Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2001
This is what I think of when I think of Rioja. Dried cherry and cranberry is what I get right away, and then it has more savory/earthy notes like leather and mushroom. When I tasted it I said “it tastes old.” That is a compliment. Hints of vanilla and spice. Felt elegant with a long finish. Had it with fatty new york strips. Tannins and acidity balanced it well. Not a loud wine, but a great one. — 3 months ago
Taittinger
Comtes de Champagne Grand Crus Brut Blanc de Blancs 1996
The final bottle for our annual Valentine’s Day and carbonara tradition (this time one day early). We skipped last year as my wife was pregnant, nice to be back. Very good, but definitely in an advanced stage - the nuttiness really comes through. There is still great acid, lemon curd, crispness, soft bubbles.
After the full case, I’d say the ones from 2021-2023 were the best.
On to Krug 2004 next year!! — 3 months ago
Kosta Browne
One Sixteen Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2019
Oak, pear, citrus, mineral, and brioche. — a month ago
Château Mouton Rothschild
Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2006
4th wine . medium deep ruby garnet , thinner garnet rim . Quite deep and serious again , spicy with more cassis , touch smoky , mineral with touches of dry spice and cool sea breeze . On the palate this again has more grip a touch more mid palate , quite masculine in style, cassis , tobacco , grafite and resonable length. Polished and quite suave in style , more intensity and density than the others , more generous too. Probably better in 5 years and will last well a further 10. Guessed Mouton on this one . — a month ago
Boekenhoutskloof
The Chocolate Block Cinsault Blend 2023
Light fruity aroma, dark red, medium body, dry and succulent, dark fruit flavor, paired nicely with venison. — 3 months ago
Ghost Block
Estate Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
It is time for my #FridayCabernetfix. Here is a delicious one.
Dark ruby in color with a reddish rim.
Pretty nose of blackberries, black currants, black plums, cedar, licorice, vanilla, chocolates, herbs, eucalyptus, light spices and black pepper.
Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.
Dry on the palate and fruit forward with blackberries, plums, currants, cedar, licorice, peppercorn, coffee, cola, light vanilla, tobacco, herbs and light earth.
Long finish with fine grained tannins, red chili pepper and tangy cherries.
This young Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville is already drinking beautifully. Nicely balanced, complex and engaging. Elegant, tangy and rich. Soft and smooth.
Delicious right out of the bottle, easy to drink, and very approachable. As it opens up, more earth notes show up.
Showing a great nose. Spicy and entertaining.
Will continue to age nicely in the next 15 years, and showing good potential to become a 94+ point wine.
I've had a few vintages of this wine and it is very consistent, and so much better with age.
A great sipping wine that paired nicely with my Leg of Lamb dish.
A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. Aged for 24 months in (60% new) French Oak barrels.
14.5% alcohol by volume.
93 points.
$80. — 2 months ago
"Odedi"
Inky in color with a reddish rim.
Fruity nose of black currants, plums, licorice, light cedar, earth, cola, herbs, spices, tobacco leaf, dark coffee, black tea and light garigge notes.
Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.
Dry on the palate with black plums, currants, oak, light licorice, spices, dark chocolates, earth, tobacco leaf, cola, herbs, peppercorn and light vegetables.
Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.
This young Cabernet Sauvignon based Bordeaux blend from Napa Valley is already drinking beautifully. Rich and fruit forward. Nicely balanced with a smooth mouthfeel. Elegant and complex, spicy and tangy.
Delicious now, and will continue to age nicely in the next 10 to 15 years.
The alcohol is nicely integrated already, although not as high as typically from this region.
Robert Parker 95 points. Wine Spectator 92 points.
I've had a few vintages of this wine and this is not my favorite, by far.
A great sipping wine that will also pair nicely with a big piece of steak.
A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 1% Malbec.
14% alcohol by volume.
92 points.
$450. — 24 days ago